Can Blood Clots Cause Seizures In Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Blood clots in the pulmonary artery most commonly produce

difficulty breathing and an increased breathing rate

. Affected dogs often seem normal until they have a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The changes may be seen on x‐rays of the chest.

What happens when a dog throws a clot?

Mathis: “If the clot is big enough to cause a full obstruction, they will just pass out.” Lungs: Clots that form in or embolize to the lungs cause

acute breathing distress

. Clots in the lungs are also quite painful.

How long can a dog live with a blood clot?

Long-term survival time varies between

one month to several years

with, the average being approximately a few months with treatment.

What does it mean when an old dog has a seizure?


Idiopathic epilepsy, the most common cause of seizures in the dog, is an inherited disorder, but its exact cause is unknown

. Other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. “Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in the dog.”

How can you tell the difference between a seizure and a stroke in a dog?

Difference between seizures and stroke in dogs

Although both occur in the brain, the difference is in what caused it to happen.

While a stroke occurs due to a disruption of the blood circulation in the brain, a seizure occurs to a surge of electrical activity in the brain

.

Did my dog have a seizure?

What Are the Symptoms of Seizures? Symptoms can include

collapsing, jerking, stiffening, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, chomping, tongue chewing, or foaming at the mouth

. Dogs can fall to the side and make paddling motions with their legs. They sometimes poop or pee during the seizure.

Can dogs have a brain aneurysm?

Symptoms of an aneurysm in dogs depend on where in the body they are located and sometimes show no symptoms until after they rupture.

Symptoms of a cerebral aneurysm are generally non-existent until the vessel ruptures

. When the blood vessel does break you may see: Bleeding from ears or nostrils.

What are the signs of a dog dying?

  • The Dog is in Pain and Discomfort. …
  • The Dog Has a Loss of Appetite. …
  • The Dog is Showing Lack of Interest in Favorite Activities. …
  • Incontinence and Decreased Grooming. …
  • The Dog Has a Loss of Mobility. …
  • There are More Bad Days Than Good Days.

How can you tell if a dog had a stroke?

  1. Loss of balance.
  2. Head tilt.
  3. Pacing, circling, or turning the wrong way when called.
  4. Abnormal eye movements or facial expressions.
  5. Impaired vision.
  6. Loss of control over bladder and bowels.
  7. Vomiting.
  8. Collapse, loss of consciousness.

What happens when a dog has a mini stroke?

In the case of a stroke,

your pet’s brain sends incorrect signals to their body

. For example, your pet may not be able to respond to your spoken directions. Instead, he may move in a directionless fashion and seem to be walking in circles. He may appear as though he is drunk and be unable to walk in a straight line.

Are blood clots in dogs painful?

Lungs –

Clots that occur in the lungs can be extremely painful

and cause difficulty breathing. Legs – When blood clots form in the legs your dog may lose the ability to use that limb, and it may feel cold to the touch.

When should you put a dog with seizures down?


If a seizure lasts more than three to five minutes

, this is an emergency and you should bring your dog to a veterinarian. Their body temperature can rise quickly and can be a problem. Especially as pets age, seizures that last that long can cause problems with their brain and cause brain damage.

What can trigger a seizure in a dog?

  • Epilepsy.
  • Heat Exhaustion.
  • Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.
  • Low blood sugar levels.
  • Liver disease.
  • Tumors.

Should you put your dog down if it has seizures?


If your dog only experiences one seizure and is otherwise healthy, then you don’t need to consider putting it down

. However, if your dog is having multiple seizures and does not respond well to treatment, then euthanasia may be the best decision for both you and your pet.

What toxins can cause seizures in dogs?

According to the ASPCA,

caffeine, dark chocolate, mushrooms, theobromine, ethanol, and xylitol

can cause your dog’s seizures.

Can a stroke in a dog look like a seizure?


Strokes can cause a sudden onset of seizures in your dog

, resulting in loss of consciousness and convulsions.

How can I prevent my dog from having seizures?


Reducing stress and limiting changes to your dog’s environment

can help to prevent seizures, as stress is known to ‘trigger’ seizures. Feeding your dog a healthy diet, keeping an eye on their blood sugar and getting them checked regularly by your daytime vet will also come in handy.

What to do after a dog has a seizure?

  1. Keep Yourself Calm. …
  2. Sit Near Your Dog. …
  3. Time Your Dog’s Seizures. …
  4. Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location. …
  5. Speak in Comforting Tones. …
  6. Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature. …
  7. Wrap and Comfort Your Dog. …
  8. Let Your Dog Sleep.

How many seizures can a dog have before it dies?

Yet, several seizures in a row or a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is considered an emergency situation that can be life-threatening. Call your vet immediately. The occurrence of

more than three seizures in a 24-hour period

is also an urgent matter that requires a trip to the vet right away.

Why is my dog peeing blood clots?

Typically when there is blood in your dog’s urine, this is due to

inflammation or infection in the urinary tract

which could include the upper or lower urinary tract. However, it’s important to contact a veterinarian or emergency vet as soon as possible to rule out any serious medical issues.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.